Media releases

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will receive an appropriation of $5.3 billion for the 2018-19 financial year, including $3.8 billion in administered funding, and $1.5 billion in departmental funding.

The 2018-19 Budget supports the Government's commitment in the Foreign Policy White Paper to open more overseas missions over the next ten years, providing $19.2 million to open a new Consulate-General in Kolkata, India and a new High Commission in Funafuti, Tuvalu. The department will also receive $15.0 million to help deliver more global opportunities for Australian businesses, and $50.3 million over four years to support the Dutch prosecution of those responsible for the downing of MH17, and to assist next-of-kin to participate in the court proceedings. We will also strengthen relationships with our Pacific partners and work together to support the region's stability, security and prosperity. The region will benefit from $1.3 billion in aid in 2018-19 - our highest ever contribution.

The 2018-19 Official Development Assistance Budget

The Australian Government will provide an estimated $4.2 billion in total Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2018-19. This makes Australia approximately the 12th highest donor amongst the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The aid program highlights Australia's ongoing commitment to the Indo-Pacific region in line with the priorities highlighted in the Foreign Policy White Paper released in November 2017.

Core contributions to multilateral organisations and other ODA not attributable to particular countries or regions

1,388.1

1,301.2

Total Australian ODA

3,912.4

4,161.1

* This table shows total Australian ODA from all agencies and programs attributable to partner countries and regions. This includes DFAT country program allocations, flows from DFAT regional and global programs, and expenditure by other government departments and agencies. Funding allocated to the Gender Equality Fund and humanitarian Emergency Fund at Budget is distributed to appropriate country and regional programs to reflect actual and planned expenditure.